Monthly Archives: February 2015

Top 10 Hygiene Hotspots in the Kitchen

Top 10 Hygiene Hotspots in the Kitchen

Kitchens are always at risk of accumulating germs, whether they are in a private
home or a commercial setting. Keeping your kitchen clean can prevent illnesses
and food poisoning from occurring, so focus on these top 10 kitchen hygiene
hotspots to reduce the risks.

Cleaning Utensils

The items you use for cleaning in the kitchen, including sponges and cloths, can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Because they often remain damp, germs multiply easily, and you then end up spreading the germs around the kitchen when you wipe down other surfaces. Soak them regularly in disinfectant to kill the germs, or use disposable cloths and sponges and change them frequently.

The Bin

The bin is an obvious source of germs in any kitchen. Always use a lid because it can reduce the smell as well as preventing pests from getting inside, and remember to empty and disinfect the bin on a regular basis.

The Fridge

Germs can spread easily in the fridge if proper care is not taken. Keep raw meat separate from other food and always keep it at the bottom of the fridge to prevent it dripping. Always clean inside the fridge regularly with disinfectant, paying particular attention to the lower levels.

Food Preparation Areas

Any zone where food is prepared presents a potential health hazard, including worktops and chopping boards. This is especially true when surfaces are used to prepare raw meat. Use colour-coded chopping boards for different types of foods, and always clean all surfaces thoroughly after use with disinfectant to avoid contamination.

The Walls

The walls are one of the areas often neglected in kitchens, but they can easily harbour harmful germs. Cracks and holes in the walls are difficult to clean properly, and the walls are often touched by people in the kitchen who don’t realise they are transmitting germs. Clean the walls regularly, and you may want to consider hygienic PVC wall cladding as an option. This is particularly useful in commercial kitchens because it is simple to install and it can be wiped clean with ease. Some panels even come with antimicrobial protection built in.

The Floor

Not only does the kitchen floor receive a lot of foot traffic, but it is also the place where scraps and drips of food accumulate. Clean the floor every day, and always discard any food that comes into contact with the floor.

Utensils

Utensils that are not cleaned properly can easily pose a health hazard, so make sure all items are cleaned thoroughly after use. Pay particular attention to tricky items like can openers, food processors and blenders, and make sure all residue is removed thoroughly.

Areas in Frequent Contact

Various areas around the kitchen will be touched more than others, including the light switch, door handles, the taps, the fridge handle and drawer handles. Germs can spread easily when you touch these areas, so always make sure you keep them clean.

The Sink

The sink can easily become contaminated, especially if you are preparing raw meat and rinsing the items out in the sink. Sinks remain wet most of the time, which is perfect for the growth of bacteria, so make sure you regularly clean the sink as well as the taps because these are often touched after handling food.

Your Hands

Your hands are not exactly part of the kitchen, but when you are in the kitchen they are one of the main ways that you can transmit germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling any food, even if they look clean, and continue to wash them while you are in the kitchen to reduce the risks of contamination.

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